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We had our wedding weekend and reception at Rainbow Ranch this August. On top of it being a gorgeous venue, the staff is extraordinarily friendly and helpful.

Going into our wedding, all of our friends and family told us to be prepared for something big to go wrong, and to just take it in stride. I'm happy to report that absolutely nothing went wrong! Mollie, the GM, and her staff were very professional, and made sure that everything ran smoothly at every step of the way.

It's not only a lovely wedding venue, but any time you're in the area during the summer or during ski season, it's a lovely vacation getaway situated right on the Gallatin river. They offer multiple activities for all occasions that will meet a wide variety of interests. And the rooms.... ALL are amazing! You really can't go wrong.

Thank you so much to everyone there for making our wedding a success! We hope to visit again soon!

Room Tip: All the rooms are great- we had people stay in every type of room they have, and everyone was very i...

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Stayed August 2013, travelled with family

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We stayed in the rooms with the river right behind our back patio. The wonderful sound of the river going by created a beautiful melody which to sleep in the evening, but we had a lumpy mattress unfortunately. The afternoon cookies were incredible! The room was clean, but plain, but the view made-up for what the room lacked. We had a fireplace, but it was not cold enough to put it into use in September. The lodge and restaurant were a great surprise and very nicely decorated. Breakfast was included, buffet style and it was all one really needed; fruit, cereal, yogurt, quiche, bagels, toast, sausage, coffee, tea, and juices. I would recommend that they spruce-up the rooms a bit.

Room Tip: River view is a must!!!

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Stayed September 2013, travelled as a couple

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rainbowranchlodge, General Manager at Rainbow Ranch Lodge, responded to this review,
26 September 2013

Dear Guest,We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your time at Rainbow Ranch! We have to agree, the views from the riverside rooms are breathtaking! We are also very proud of our pastry chef and the magic she creates with her cookies and breakfast pastries! Good news, we have new mattresses, we hope you will come and give your approval the next time you are in the neighborhood! Until then take good care and thank you for your kind review! Mollie

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Considering the lack of luxury accomodation in a big radius from Yellowstone, apart from very expensive working ranches or fly fishing places, this place is probably the safest bet around.

We were originally put off by the situation litterally off US191, but knew what to expect. Honestly, you completely forget about it. The rates are admittedly high for the location and and the area, but the lack af alternative made it a deal, eventhough it needed to be prepaid.

Apparently booked almost to capacity, the place was really quiet. We had a Riverside room, and a Pondside luxury. We were surprised that the Pondside was more luxurious and newer, although the Riverside has a better location in my view. They will be redeigned shortly, or so I have been told.Pondside was nice : nice porch, logs everywhere, excellent king bed, good lighting, inside fireplace. Huge bathroom with separate toilet, separate shower stall, dressing area. A little oversized compared to a smaller bedroom, I would say. No aircon, but an open window would already make a really cool room in August. I would only miss an outside fire place, which is only for the suite.Did not stay in the Riverside myself, but I understand it is just as comfortable, only older.

Good dining room. A bit hit and miss in the sense that the starters were small and flavorless and bland, while the mains were delicious. Very good service, who moved to another table as we had neighbors with unattended and noisy kids.Breakfast is buffet, with a good selection, and staff working hard to keep it replenish, despite shinese customers raiding it as if they never saw a buffet before (who knows, might be the case).

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rainbowranchlodge, General Manager at Rainbow Ranch Lodge, responded to this review,
26 September 2013

Dear Guest,Thank you for coming to visit and thank you for the review! Yes, we do have plans to remodel the riverside rooms, AND I am happy to hear that you & your family enjoyed the property as is! You mentioned one of my favorite attributes of the Rainbow Ranch, the fact that we can be at fill occupancy and it is still a peaceful oasis.... We will look forward to your return, please be in touch and I will make sure you have the suite with the outdoor fireplace! Until then take good care! Mollie

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Staying at Rainbow Ranch was like going to sleep away camp as an adult, with excellent, though simple, accommodations, incredible grounds, and amazing Gallatin River access. We stayed at RRL after driving from Jackson Hole through Yellowstone, and it was the ideal place to spend two relatively quite days after many hikes / bikes. The staff was incredibly polite and helpful, but at no point smothered you. We enjoyed full access to the grounds, including the great hot tub with fire place, the trout pond, and many hours in the river, just 20 yds from our porch. We enjoyed a meal at the restaurant, which was as good or better than top restaurants in any of the major ski towns. The wild game selection was mostly locally sourced, with excellent variety and preparation.

We will certainly return to RRL in the coming years for more R&R, which it is ideal for. I would highly recommend for a couple looking to spend some quality down time together, and especially for the fishing enthusiast.

Room Tip: Pick a room close to the river. River access is incredible, world class fly fishing 20 yards from y...

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Stayed August 2013, travelled as a couple

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This was a mixed experience. There was much to like, but it was not the luxurious Montana ranch experience the website led us to expect. As the website uses words like lodge, ranch, paradise, etc, we were also surprised to find it on the US191, just yards from the fast road.

Good things: the main building is good, with decent quality decor etc; dinner was excellent; staff all very helpful, especially the breakfast chefs who enhanced a decent continental breakfast with freshly cooked eggs; sitting on our little verandah overlooking a lovely stretch of the Gallatin river; free WiFi.

BUT, at $325+tax per night, the room needs a significant upgrade. The website uses words like "world class resort", so we were disappointed to find: only a queen size bed; lighting so poor that the room appeared gloomy even when sunny outside, making reading impossible; no room safe, no air con; two hangers each, no drawers or shelves to store clothes apart from shelves in the bathroom; fraying and threadbare bath mat one day, rather small bathroom with old style unenticing whirlpool bath and billowing shower curtain over; bed linen high quality but not ironed so crumpled looking; and perhaps worst of all, no refrigerator and no room service, when the restaurant and bar were closed for two nights of our three night stay. We had been informed of the lack of dining, by email, and booked into a restaurant elsewhere, but on arrival, when we asked about a taxi, as we both like to drink wine with dinner, we were greeted with hesitation and a bus timetable which proved useless. Amazingly, no mention was made of a bar over the road, which we discovered for ourselves to be great hospitality with excellent food. This bar, the Corral Bar, saved our stay.

To end positively, the general manager, Mollie, was great when we explained our disappointment. She refunded one night, which made the price about fair value. She also suggested that it is best to phone and book, so that our needs can be discussed and she can then indicate other options (turned out they have a few rooms now with king size beds and higher quality).

So, given the lack of luxury hotels in the area, this may be one of the best places to stay, but do understand that the rooms are highly over priced at full rate.

Stayed September 2013, travelled as a couple

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rainbowranchlodge, General Manager at Rainbow Ranch Lodge, responded to this review,
10 September 2013

Dear Guest,I wanted to follow up and again thank you for your feedback! Your comments are being discussed and our team is doing its best to prevent future issues as what you expressed, we have already purchased additional refrigerators for rooms! I know that does not change your experience and I hope that you can feel confident that we heard your concerns. I am glad that you did enjoy a few things Rainbow Ranch offered you.... Our friendly staff, a lovely breakfast, a sunny deck, free wifi, and our wonderful neighborhood bar across the street. I apologize again for the problems, and thank you for taking the time to let me know about it. Without your guest feedback we cannot continue to improve our services. I do hope you will give us a second chance and please CALL me personally to discuss options for your next stay. As explained on our website we do have rooms with king beds! Thank you & safe travels! Mollie 406.995.4132

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Our check in experience was tops in every way, the very pretty young lady was pleasant and so welcoming, could not have asked for better. A welcoming glass of wine was brought to our room, very nice touch and really nice to sit on our balcony and relax as we sipped our wine. There had been a wedding so we had the neat experience of watching the photo taking. What a serene setting for a wedding. Our room had two bedrooms, nicely appointed with oh so comfortable beds. Bath room was clean with very nice toiletries. Classical music was softly playing in the room on our arrival, I always enjoy being greeted in that manner, very soothing after a long day of driving. Unfortunately their restaurant was closed that night, it has wonderful reviews. The receptionist recommended a place just up the road and made reservations for us. Breakfast was good. We had reserved three nights but on the day of our arrival our West Highland White Terrier had to be moved from our vet hospital where she was being treated to the vet school for more testing. We learned late that afternoon that she was terribly sick. The next morning I called the vet school, they had tried to call during the night but I didn't have cell service but did that morning. I was told that she was not making red blood cells and was not doing well at all so we had her put to sleep. I went to the office and told the receptionist our situation and that we were driving to Bozeman so my husband could fly back home to take care of things. this was July 31 and I to remain in Bozeman for a program at MSU until August 10. I could not have asked for better treatment by the receptionist, I am so sorry I can't remember her name but I was so upset. She was wonderful, and her hugs were most welcomed. They did not charge us for the remaining nights of our stay due to our circumstances. I really can't say enough about how graciously we were treated. Thank you for caring! Great property and wonderful staff in a serene setting. Highly recommend Rainbow Ranch Lodge, you will so enjoy the experience. I hope to revisit during a happier time and also have the opportunity to experience their restaurant.

Room Tip: The two bedroom was very comfortable with good space.

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Stayed July 2013, travelled as a couple

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rainbowranchlodge, General Manager at Rainbow Ranch Lodge, responded to this review,
26 September 2013

Dear Guest,Thank you for the review and for your kind words. We are happy that while at Rainbow Ranch you enjoyed our hospitality and the scenery! We were sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Terrier and feel confident in saying that she lived a rich and joyful life in your care! Please be in touch as you have plans to head our way and we will make sure you have our BEST! We are looking forward to it! Until then take good care and enjoy the beautiful fall! Mollie

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This place was just amazing. Little cottage on the river - private and very relaxing. The food was outstanding as was the service- but I didn't feel imposed on like when your at the Ritz. Very private_ loved it!

Stayed August 2013

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rainbowranchlodge, General Manager at Rainbow Ranch Lodge, responded to this review,
10 September 2013

Dear Friend of Rainbow Ranch,Thank you for coming to visit!!! It was lovely to have you stay with us and we are happy to hear you enjoyed the time on the Gallatin as well as the food and service! We will look forward to your return! All my best! Thank you,Mollie

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Rainbow Ranch Lodge is an intimate twenty-one room hotel and gourmet restaurant located on the banks of the Gallatin River in Big Sky, Montana. Whether riverside or pondside, accommodations at Rainbow Ranch Lodge provide a sanctuary for post-adventure relaxing or a romantic getaway for two. Located in a sweeping valley in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Rainbow Ranch Lodge's location is ideal for both summer and winter activities. Our proximity to Yellowstone National Park affords our guests endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration, including world-class fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. Whether you choose an experienced local guide service or venture out on your own, the breathtakingly rugged, natural beauty of southwest Montana will restore and rejuvenate your senses. One of the top 10 winter destinations in North America, the Big Sky area offers a variety of winters activities including downhill skiing at Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin and Lone Mountain Ranch, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and winter fly fishing. If your winter preferences lean more towards comfort and warmth, the Rainbow Ranch Lodge's spa services and luxurious guest rooms provide the perfect alternative to a day spent outdoors....more less

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Also Known As:

Rainbow Ranch Hotel Gallatin Gateway

Rainbow Hotel Gallatin Gateway

Rainbow Ranch Montana

Rainbow Ranch Lodge Montana/Gallatin Gateway

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